Across Georgia

VALDOSTA - Two women were killed when their car was hit by a train at a railroad crossing.

Police were called to the scene at about 11:45 p.m. Friday, Valdosta Police Capt. Brian Childress said.

The white 1992 Buick Regal was struck by a Norfolk Southern train that was heading east, Capt. Childress said. The train dragged the car down to another railroad crossing.

The driver of the car, Shakeria Fleming, 18, and the passenger, Kayla Brooklin, 21, were killed in the crash, Capt. Childress said. No one on the train was injured, and the train did not derail.

An initial investigation showed that Ms. Fleming was trying to beat the train across the railroad crossing instead of stopping, Capt. Childress said. The crossing had stop signs but no drop arms.

Base attack wounds 8 from Guard brigade

ATLANTA - A mortar attack at a forward operating base in Iraq on Sunday morning wounded eight from the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade, brigade officials said.

"Four were transported to a (military hospital) in the International Zone," said Lt. Salina Owens, 48th Brigade spokeswoman. "Four were treated at the aid station and returned to duty."

Brigade officials would not release identities of the wounded pending family notification.

During the U.S. presence in Iraq, the small base, near the city of Mahmudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad, has been targeted with insurgent mortar rounds and rockets. But there had been few such attacks since the regiment moved into the area two weeks ago.

The 4,300-member brigade makes up the largest combat unit of the Georgia National Guard to deploy since World War II.

Couple are unhurt after tree falls on car

GARDEN CITY - A Saturday trip to the flea market was nearly deadly for a Cobbtown couple when a 30-foot tree fell on their car as they were driving.

"We were saved by the grace of God," said Ami Sanders, 31, who suffered bruises and minor cuts to her elbow when the tree hit the car's windshield.

Boe Sanders, 36, who was driving, injured a finger. Their Chevrolet Ventura has major front-end damage, a broken windshield and a big dent on the left side.

Ms. Sanders said she got a glimpse of the huge tree as it fell on top of them.

She had time to put her arms across her face, she said, but she didn't have time to warn her husband.

"I looked up and I saw it falling," she said.

Added Mr. Sanders, "I didn't know what it was until I got the air bag out of my face."